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CIBC Announces Major Commitment to National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation

by NationTalk onJune 25, 20081690 Views

June 25 2008 – TORONTO – The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation is proud to announce that CIBC has committed to another two years as its founding and leading sponsor. The announcement was made at CIBC’s headquarters yesterday during the Toronto launch of the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards 2009 Nomination campaign. “Celebrating these remarkable individuals brings pride to Aboriginal communities and encourages others to follow in their footsteps,” said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC’s President and CEO.

“More broadly, recognizing the outstanding achievements of these award recipients increases awareness among all Canadians of the many contributions made by Aboriginal peoples to our society, whether in the arts, literature, business or the public sector.”

CIBC has committed to providing a sponsorship of $830,000 for a two year period to support the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, scholarships through the NAAF Education Program, and the Blueprint For the Future Career Fairs.

“CIBC understands the importance of leading by example,” says President and CEO Roberta Jamieson. “CIBC has consistently led the way in celebrating the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal Canadians. They have helped provide inspiration to First Nation, Métis and Inuit youth who are an untapped resource that have enormous potential to be leaders in Canadian society.”

The National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation (NAAF) is a nationally registered non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to deliver programs that provide the tools necessary for Aboriginal peoples especially youth to achieve brighter futures. Since 1985 the Foundation through its Education Program has awarded more than $27.7-million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 7,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis students nationwide. NAAF’s key initiatives include: The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards (NAAA) a national annual broadcast celebrating 14 achievers in a multitude of career areas including a special youth award and an award for lifetime achievement; Taking Pulse joins NAAF with industry to present career options in specific growth sectors through a series of short documentaries and supporting curriculum materials with the aim of recruiting First Nations, Inuit & Métis youth; and Blueprint for the Future (BFF) a series of one-day career fairs that motivate and inspire First Nations, Inuit and Métis high school students with valuable resources and information on career opportunities. Over 30,000 students have attended these exciting youth oriented events to date nationwide.